Carlo Aonzo and Katsumi Nagaoka

BIOGRAPHY

CARLO AONZO

A native of Savona, Italy, he followed the family tradition of studying mandolin first with his father, then with Ugo Orlandi at Padova’s Conservatorium of Music. He founded and conducts the Ligurian Plucked Strings Orchestra (the Italian Mandolin Academy Orchestra) and regularly performs and tours nationally and internationally. In 2006, he set up the International Mandolin Academy to promote the Italian mandolin tradition and he teaches in several music courses in Europe and the USA including his annual Manhattan Mandolin Workshop in New York. Today he is considered one of Italy’s leading classical mandolinists. He is known for his technical skill and expression, his playing having been recognised with awards at many prestigious competitions.

KATSUMI NAGAOKA

Born in Kochi, Japan, he also started his musical education with his father, going on to learn with J. Gonzales, N. Yepes and L. Brower. In 1980 he moved to Italy to finish his studies with A. Gilardino, gaining his degree with full honours in 1989 at the Conservatorium of Music in Alessandria and winning several national and international competitions along the way. He now lives in Genoa, Italy where he teaches and performs as soloist and as a chamber musician. He is quickly gaining worldwide recognition with his new compositions.